
months, so has my dependence, love, and longing for Jesus.
A
few weeks ago at deepStream we studied Proverbs 30:8-9. This has got to
be the most radical, profound prayer I have ever heard. Sadly, I have
read this passage many times before only to pass through one ear and out
the other. At first glance, it doesn't seem so radical.
But
if you meditate on this prayer, or even better, if you're willing to
pray it for yourself, there's a good chance it will conflict with much
you've been taught. It opposes many of the very things that motivate us,
and it cuts to the heart of western culture.
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
The piercing truth of this passage is that a state of dependence on God
is the most healthy way to live. The author of this proverb knows that
if he is dependent on God, his faith will remain strong, and real. And
if he has too much money (security), his dependence on God declines in
direct proportion. With financial security, God may still be something
he "believes in", but no longer something he can't live without.
In
balancing out his prayer, the writer also asks not to be poor, for
poverty brings temptations of its own. This is certainly the side of the
prayer that most of us are comfortable with - its the prayer to not be
wealthy that messes with us! We should all be challenged to measure our
willingness to pray this prayer. Perhaps by considering our response, we
can get a fair indicator of our true priorities.
Do I
"need" you God? Do I actually "depend" on you to get by? If I did,
would I be closer to you? Because I'll do anything to be closer to you.
God, please do whatever you need to do to help me depend on you. Without
you - without real faith and dependence on you - I am empty.